TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[adh3]

This is not true!! Don't let the doom and gloom get to you.

Firms take holistic approaches to applications, sure there may be some firms who put a stronger emphasis on grades but many firms do not. I secured a TC at a top US firm without ever even getting a first in any module and only one vac scheme before . One example doesn't exemplify the whole industry, I know the application cycle can feel rough but quality applications are worth it- at the firm I got my TC I spent ages researching them and was truly interested by the work they were doing, and it shone through and made a difference.

Quality applications and a genuine interest in the firm do actually make a difference, despite how hard that might be to believe because of how alienating the process feels.

I appreciate the sentiment within your message. But my thought process isn't based on a single person's success. It's a view which I've developed across multiple application cycles (after seeing who makes it, and who doesn't).

I'd say that around 40-45% of my LLB cohort landed a role in commercial law prior to (or immediately after) graduating from university. In stark contrast, I've also seen some very bright people return to their home countries because they were unable to land a TC. And, these people didn't return home because they were incapable of becoming a commercial solicitor – they were effectively forced to return because they couldn't impress graduate recruitment.

This application cycle, I've written some of my best applications ever. I have only applied to firms which specialise (or have strengths) in the areas of law I am passionate about. I've had my applications reviewed by future/current trainees at the firms I've applied to. Their feedback has been very positive. These applications have been tailored, specific to the firm, and have demonstrated my knowledge/interest/experiences. Yet, for the vast majority of applications I've made, I haven't even been invited to a second stage.

The simple fact is that, while my grades are decent, my experiences aren't that impressive. You had a vac scheme before you secured a TC at a top US firm. My experience is limited to open days and the subjects I studied at university. I promise you, no matter how hard I try to spin the experiences I have, I won't be as successful as you without a great deal of luck.

 

[asplawyer100]

Has anyone heard back from Dentons post online assessment?

 

[charlieefinch]

You're not alone in not having heard back yet, so don't give up hope!

I’m assuming different offices might have different response times. Also, I’m taking no news as good news atm haha

 

[Hakbar_04]

could anyone please advise on this please on understanding what a firm is looking for in their video interview process?
- Format: 3 mins to prep 90 seconds to respond
- Told we are being assessed on skills and competencies, and the VI email invite explicitly stated that the VI assesses 4 competencies
- But the firm's video advises us to focus just on how we would approach the situation - to not bring in past examples - but to also show your unique perspective and how we would approach the situation.
- am I correct in thinking that this is what the firm is saying: your skills/past experience is not directly assessed, only how you would approach the situation (which can be informed by past experiences, no matter what that encompassed and how much you have).
- but if everyone is saying similar things and making similar points, how would the firm distinguish between candidates (this is the final stage before the AC)?

It's quite strange that they've told you not to bring in past examples! From what it sounds like, they're really looking for a proper articulation of your approach. Therefore, I'd advise focusing very clearly on this. For instance...

• If the question is 'Tell me what you would do if you made a mistake', really emphasising the need to be open, honest, and transparent is key here. It's not so much about your experience and whether you've demonstrated this in the past, but that means you should really emphasise the key values of honesty and integrity here. What would you do to make amends? How would you change your behaviour to reduce the likelihood of a similar mistake occurring in future?
• If the question is 'Tell me how you'd work together with different members of a team to achieve a shared goal', you'd want to emphasise the different aspects of teamwork. So talking a bit about the need for delegation, how you would be/work to appoint an effective leader, how you'd handle differences. Again, the specifics of a experience aren't relevant here, just the demonstration of your consideration of all the relevant factors that come into play when considering teamwork

It's more of a test of whether you understand, in depth, what is being asked of you, than a demonstration of specific past experiences. Focus on this, and on articulating yourself clearly, simply, and concisely. Those two things will make the difference. Hope this helps!

 

[Lawyergyal123!]

Hi does anyone have any advice for bakers VI, would really appreciate it.

Can give advice on Macfarlanes AC, Slaughters AC, freshfields stage two, hogan stage two, Latham stage two and Weil.

 

[Hakbar_04]

Skadden WE invitee

Congratulations!

 

[Hakbar_04]

Can someone... anyone.. please PM me insights for Hogan VI Job Sim. Please. Thank you!

From what little I know about it there are VI questions but also there's a SJT element to it as well, so don't neglect practicing that!

 

[Hakbar_04]

Hi! Is time factored into SJT/WG results? For example, Weil says “The SJT portion of the assessment is untimed, but we recommend it should take around 45 minutes to complete.” Will I be penalized if I take let’s say double the time?

Hi - most SJT/WGs that are untimed usually have some sort of time recording attached to them (though they might just be present in the background). You won't necessarily be penalised for taking longer than the recommended time, but if you're taking 5 hours to complete something which only needed 45 minutes it might raise a bit of suspicion (usually the reason it's timed is to ensure you complete it properly - i.e. without other people's help or without AI - and an unusually long time might be evidence that this hasn't been the case). It's nothing major to stress about, particularly if you're just slower at reading the text or like to double or triple check your answers!

 

[Winter]

I emailed Freshfields for reasonable adjustments (for second stage VI) 5 days ago and have not received an email back but my deadline to submit is tomorrow. I'm so stressed, what do I do!!! I feel like I already told them about my adjustments in my app but I still wanted to complete the form just in case to confirm. should I send an email to the team?

The adjustments are automatically applied if you had them in your first stage. If that is the case, you don't need to email for further adjustments.

 

[floral.tcla]

It's quite strange that they've told you not to bring in past examples! From what it sounds like, they're really looking for a proper articulation of your approach. Therefore, I'd advise focusing very clearly on this. For instance...

• If the question is 'Tell me what you would do if you made a mistake', really emphasising the need to be open, honest, and transparent is key here. It's not so much about your experience and whether you've demonstrated this in the past, but that means you should really emphasise the key values of honesty and integrity here. What would you do to make amends? How would you change your behaviour to reduce the likelihood of a similar mistake occurring in future?
• If the question is 'Tell me how you'd work together with different members of a team to achieve a shared goal', you'd want to emphasise the different aspects of teamwork. So talking a bit about the need for delegation, how you would be/work to appoint an effective leader, how you'd handle differences. Again, the specifics of a experience aren't relevant here, just the demonstration of your consideration of all the relevant factors that come into play when considering teamwork

It's more of a test of whether you understand, in depth, what is being asked of you, than a demonstration of specific past experiences. Focus on this, and on articulating yourself clearly, simply, and concisely. Those two things will make the difference. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much, this really helps to clarify things )

 

[Hakbar_04]

Does anybody have any tips on how to write about a different firm's vacation scheme that you have completed in the work experience section of job apps?

Focus on the tasks that you completed as part of the scheme (as these will provide evidence of exposure and competence for tasks that you may be asked to complete by the firm you're applying to!). I'd also steer clear of emphasising parts of the scheme that are exclusive to the firm you completed the scheme at which do not feature in the firm you're applying to (e.g. Hogan Lovells has a Public Law Team, and if you emphasised your involvement with this as part of an application for a firm which doesn't have a similar team, it might suggest you're not as well suited to them as you are to Hogan Lovells!), and instead focus on commonalities between firms

 

[Hakbar_04]

Does Linklaters automatically screen out based on WG results? Can I presume that if my application is being reviewed then I’ve passed score benchmark?

Linklaters will take into account your WG alongside the CAPP assessment (and perhaps the new application question they've added this year), so it's best not to assume anything!

 

[charlieefinch]

Does anyone have any advice for macfarlanes 2nd stage assessment test ? I would really appreciate it!

 

[SNA99]

VI for Eversheds!! Would be grateful for any tips people might have as I know it's stengths based

 

[Hakbar_04]

gosh I just did my Hogan Lovells test and found the video questions so hard and unnatural. I spoke about the topic of the third question in my second question so it felt a bit too repetitive too, though I did shift focus. I am usually a good speaker but it feels too artificial

Completely understand how you feel and, for those of us who aren't proficient at producing talking-to-camera videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, it makes sense: this isn't a skill you'd have had experience with before! The best advice I can give is honestly that practice makes perfect! And the good thing is you can practice by yourself by just filming your answers to different questions in your own time on your laptop/phone. It'll feel odd and cringey at first, but with time it'll become second nature.

 

[asplawyer100]

Anyone got an Dentons VI tips?

Hi, when did you do the Dentons high potential assessment?

 

[Aimee :)]

Anyone else here able to get top-notch work experiences outside all these vac schemes? I managed to basically get in everywhere else like in house in bigtech/fintechs etc but I haven't been able to get a single vac scheme... wondering if that's something that's maybe off putting to law firms?

I think it's great and really useful that you've managed to get work experience outside of standard vac schemes and I don't think it is off putting to law firms at all!

I managed to get a few in-house experiences during my second year of university (after I had received rejections from every single vac scheme application I made that cycle) but when it came to applying in third year, I was genuinely asked during a vac scheme interview why I hadn't applied for a DTC considering I already had plenty of experience. My experience wasn't just legal either, it varied from finance to public affairs, and I really utilised my many years of hospitality work!

I must have applied to 50+ vacation schemes over three years and secured 3 schemes total, but I was invited to the final stages for 4 DTC's before I was finally offered a TC, all because I was able to use my work experience outside of vac schemes to my advantage. I promise that all experience is good experience!

My advice would be to focus on the transferable skills, how and why that experience has pushed you to apply for X firm, and be honest/realistic about the differences between the experience you have and the experience you want to continue gaining.

I hope this is helpful, and best of luck!

 

[TheLegalEdit]

Hi guys, for the people that have applied to Reed Smith, how quickly did you get the test invite? Also any tips on how to do well on the Amberjack (I’ve seen that’s what Reed Smith use) would be greatly appreciated

 

[umkcl]

Anyone else here able to get top-notch work experiences outside all these vac schemes? I managed to basically get in everywhere else like in house in bigtech/fintechs etc but I haven't been able to get a single vac scheme... wondering if that's something that's maybe off putting to law firms?

I completely understand this feeling as I went through the same concerns, but it ended up not being an obstacle. I had experience in big tech companies and smaller law firms outside the UK, and ended up getting a direct training contract with a City law firm without even doing a vacation scheme. Don't let a non-traditional path discourage you, it's all about how well you can translate the skills you learned in the application. Highlight the tasks and skills that align with the law firm's work. Personally, I really emphasised what I had learned while working at big tech and how it taught me about the corporate world as a whole. They appreciate people coming from different backgrounds, so this can actually be an advantage! Make sure you can explain why you are looking to work in a law firm as opposed to in-house now, highlight the ups and downs of working in-house, and why that experience led you to the conclusion that a law firm is more suitable for you.

 

[futuretraineeihope]

Hi, when did you do the Dentons high potential assessment?

Hi. I did it 06/12